In an era where politics dictate policy, the Problem Solvers Caucus is a unique, bipartisan group of leaders who seek areas of common ground. Rep. Tom Reed, a Republican, and Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Democrat, will appear together on stage to discuss the political challenges in reaching across the aisle, as well as the opportunity that exists for collaboration and compromise to make progress in critical policy areas. These policymakers will discuss whether a political center exists — or can be formed — to tackle our nation’s fiscal challenges.

The United States now stands alone as the only advanced economy in the world with a debt-to-GDP ratio that is projected to grow over the next five years. Recent tax and spending legislation has made our debt outlook considerably worse. High and rising debt matters because it diminishes our economic future. As interest rates rise and we return to trillion-dollar deficits as early as next year, we will face increased budgetary pressures, reduced public and private investments, less flexibility to deal with future crises, and fewer economic opportunities for Americans. This panel will bring together voices from the private sector and academia to analyze the threats posed by America’s rapidly rising national debt and discuss fiscal solutions to put us on a better path.

In these one-on-one interviews, House and Senate leaders will provide perspectives on our nation’s fiscal outlook and policies to ensure sustained economic growth. Recent legislation — combined with existing structural deficits and a demographic tidal wave in the years ahead — poses considerable policy challenges to lawmakers to put our fiscal house in order and set us on a more sustainable path. Leading lawmakers from both sides of the aisle will assess challenges and opportunities in building a better economic and fiscal future.

US 2050 is an initiative of the Peterson Foundation and the Ford Foundation that examines the multiple demographic, socioeconomic, and fiscal trends that will shape our nation in the decades ahead. The project engages leading scholars to create a comprehensive view of our economic and fiscal future, illuminating the implications for the social and financial well-being of Americans. Members of US 2050’s Advisory Committee will join together for a discussion, led by David Wessel, on these interconnected trends and the importance of understanding where we’re headed in order to make better policy choices today.

Moderator: Jim Tankersley, Tax and Economics Reporter, The New York Times

Would a carbon tax improve our fiscal outlook? This panel brings together leading experts to explore the potential for a well-designed carbon tax to help put our nation on a more sustainable fiscal path. Key questions include how best to structure a carbon tax that is fair to Americans of all income levels as well as across sectors and industries, while boosting economic growth, discouraging the use of carbon-intense energy, and raising new revenue that can be used to address budget shortfalls.

12:45 pm

UP TO US: ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

Up to Us is a leading nationwide program that engages students on campuses across the country in a competition to raise awareness among their peers about the nation’s fiscal future and the economic opportunities the next generation will inherit. Michael Peterson will recognize this year’s winning team from SUNY Old Westbury.

There is a critical connection between America’s fiscal outlook, energy security and role in the world. Dr. Moniz, a nuclear physicist who served as the thirtieth United States Secretary of Energy, brings a unique understanding of these interrelated challenges and trends. The discussion will cover how domestic energy investment supports strength at home and abroad, future funding needs for America’s nuclear arsenal, as well as the impact of rising debt on America’s foreign policy.

As campaigns for the 2018 midterm elections get underway within a rapidly changing policy environment, the ninth-annual Fiscal Summit convened voices from across the political and ideological spectrum to examine the urgent need for a fiscal reset that puts America on a sustainable course for economic growth and prosperity.

As interest rates continue to rise and we return to trillion-dollar deficits as early as next year, we will face increased budgetary pressures. Absent a change in course, we will confront reduced public and private investments, less flexibility to deal with future crises, and diminishing economic opportunities for Americans.

Now, while the economy is strong, it is time to face the challenge anew, and reset our priorities to create the conditions for sustained economic growth and prosperity into the future. The 2018 Fiscal Summit reiterated the urgent need for a fiscal reset, and examined how we can refocus the nation on building a fiscally sustainable path for America.

2018 Fiscal Summit Materials

Why Debt Matters

Rising debt is a significant risk to our economy, affecting every American's future.

Media Advisory

As interest rates continue to rise, trillion-dollar deficits return as early as next year, and the national debt is on course to eclipse the size of the economy, our nation will face increased budgetary pressures.

PAST SUMMITS

2017 Fiscal Summit

The 2017 Fiscal Summit convened leading voices and policymakers from across the political spectrum to discuss the legislative agenda, its connection to our growing national debt, and solutions to put us on a better path.

2014 Fiscal Summit

The 2014 Fiscal Summit explored what we, as a nation, have to gain if we act now to strengthen our fiscal foundation; promote a growing, thriving economy; and ensure that our future isn’t diminished by our past.

2013 Fiscal Summit

Despite a challenging political environment, the opportunity remains for the U.S. to solve its long-term debt problem and position the nation for future economic success and a continued leadership in the world.

2011 Fiscal Summit

By convening leaders from across the ideological spectrum to discuss concrete budget plans, the 2011 Summit was an important step in working toward bipartisan fiscal solutions that help preserve the American Dream for future generations.

2010 Fiscal Summit

The Fiscal Summit brought together hundreds of prominent stakeholders from across the political spectrum with diverse ideas on how to address critical fiscal issues, while continuing to meet the priorities of the American people.

Why Fiscal Issues Matter in the 2018 Election

This election season is a critical opportunity for candidates to talk to voters about solutions to put us on a better path.